At eight and ten years old, Wilma and Jackie (also known as Jack or John) met. It was not a match made in heaven at this young ago. Jackie enjoyed pulling Wilma’s long curls while Wilma and Wanda (Jackie’s sister) formed a tight bond. Nevertheless, nine years later, after dating for one year, Jackie proposed marriage, and Wilma said, “Yes!” Following a three year engagement, they married on June 25, 1960. Wilma was 21 years of age and Jackie was 22, with an impending 23rd birthday in October.
Three children (one of which was me), eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren later, my Mom and Dad celebrate sixty-five years of marriage on June 25, 2025. With joy, I honor their tremendous legacy and example. My parent’s love for God, one another, family, and country has deepened through their years together. They have stood by each other’s side through health crises, job changes, military service, home relocations, three children, aging parents, retirement, and purposeful loving service to God.
At nearly 88 and 86 years old, both of my parents exemplify living life to the full (John 10:10). They continue to drive confidently (they each recently passed a “senior” driving test), care for their own home and garden, host family and friends, engage with their local neighborhood through weekly coffees, bunko, veterans group, and choral groups, as well as as serve in their local church through VBS, small groups, missions, and Sunday morning service as greeters.
My parents are a living, breathing example of an imperfect couple living out God‘s perfect plan for marriage.
I have watched my parents grow deeper in love with each other over the years. They love one other well. My dad often holds my mom’s hand as they walk different places and chivalrously opens the door for her. My mom holds dad close, caring for him through meaningful hugs, touch, and delicious food. They enjoy one another’s company and intentionally have fun together. They demonstrate their love for one another in the way they serve each other and support one another through life’s ups and downs (Philippians 2).
They each have different gifts, passions, and talents. My dad says that it is okay to not like the same things as your partner. He enjoys the outdoors very much. Each year he planned extensive hunting outings which my mom joined in and supported. My dad loves through helping. He uses his analytical mind to discern problems and fix them. He is thoughtful and tender, especially with my mom. My mom, on the other hand, enjoys music, theater, and performance. She utilizes her creativity through teaching and the arts. My dad has supported her through numerous choral practices and performances, in addition to attending different musical endeavors throughout the years. They support one another’s interests and admire the uniqueness of one another.
How well do you support the unique interests of those around you?
When I asked my dad what contributed to the longevity of their marriage, he shared that he lived with two specific foci. Firstly, before marriage, he committed to never yell or raise his voice at his wife. It is true, I have never seen my dad raise his voice – ever. Secondly, with God, my dad also vowed to be slow to anger and to live desiring to do what made my mom happy. My dad lives to please God and his wife. He truly wants my mom’s happiness and makes every effort to bring this about.
My dad often sings silly, strange, nonsensical, off-tune lyrical songs to my mom about his love for her. My mom calls them his “Little Diddys.” These little love songs stir within my mom because of her connection with music. Little Diddys create a bonded connection within their marriage, bringing smiles and laughter between the two of them. I find myself singing Little Diddys with my granddaughters – LOL- 🤪.
What unique practices create connection in your relationships?
Together, my mom and dad continue to learn and grow by reading and learning new tasks. They acquaint themselves with advances in technology, experience community within a younger demographic at church, and travel both nationally and internationally. A life focus for them has been meditating on the closeness of God; that He truly sticks closer than a brother. God’s near presence encourages them to be teachable and adjust to the complexities of a changing world.
God’s love flows through their love for the world and missions. My parents have generously given to missions for over 35 years and, since retirement have participated in over 20 short-term mission trips around the world. Additionally, they pray mightily. Each day they pray together and individually for people and circumstances upon their hearts. Last week my mom volunteered at Vacation Bible School when their church hosted 600 children. She sweetly recounted that as children passed by her, she prayed fervently for each one. She wondered about God‘s plan for each of the children and entrusted them to His care
When I asked my mom what made a marriage of 65 years work, she shared that genuine love, commitment, and faith in God were foundational. She continues to wake up each morning and “give the day to the Lord.” She has done this consistently even when the circumstances of life felt really hard.
One of her favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11. She trusts God’s plan and looks with hope into the future. She rests in the reality that God’s presence is personal, persistent, and powerful for each day to guide, help and console. My dad loves the book of James from the Bible. For him, these inspired words have offered great wisdom and direction for living throughout their marriage.
My parent’s appreciation for one another and care for one another continues to deepen and reflect the character of God. Even as they age, the fruit of the Spirit blooms brightly in their lives and marriage. As a couple, they did the best that they could in each moment that they had. My mom and dad live life with intention. They exemplify the beauty of committed companionship. They are not perfect people, yet they are the perfect pair. I honor the dedication and resilience of my dad and mom for sixty-five years of marriage. May their example inspire the way you and I live in our relationships, for the glory of God.
This week – – –
Reflect. Think about Proverbs 18:24 – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” What does it mean to you that there is a “friend who sticks closer…”? Wonder with God about your friendship with Him. In what ways do you experience God’s nearness in your friendships/relationships? How can you step closer to the Spirit in this season of life?
Request. Take note of your current relationships. Talk with God about your support of the other individual. How might God invite you to consider the other person’s best interests above your now? Ask God for courage to trust His goodness as you put others before you (Philippians 2).
Receive. Our ultimate relationship is with God and He entrusts to us many additional relationships. Thank God for the people in your life. Pray for those to whom you feel well connected. Pray for those with whom you experience disconnection. Ask God to bring healing and reveal to you your part in repairing what has been broken or damaged. Receive God’s tender care as you trust Him with your relationships.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Matthew 19:4-6 – “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Gary Thomas. Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? Grand Rapids, MI 2015.
Timothy Keller. The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God. Westminster, MD. 2015.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Mathew West. When I Say I Do. Click here to watch and listen.
Brandon Heath. Love Never Fails. Click here to watch & listen.